Amid the extreme darkness came a reminder that the braveheart spirit remained.
In November last year, Gordon McQueen, the man who – with a flowing golden mane – towered over the England defenses to power a header past Ray Clemence on that infamous June afternoon in 1977, couldn’t handle the simple act of raising your head from the pillow.
As is often, tragically, the case with this brutal disease, the dementia had set in relentlessly and the descent had been rapid.
Less than two years had passed since the devastating diagnosis, but the end seemed near. Hospice carers were brought in three times a day, while calls no one ever wanted to make were passed on to family members and close friends.
Time was taken from work and those who loved the big man – and there were many – headed to North Yorkshire fearing the worst.
Former Manchester United and Scotland footballer Gordon McQueen dies aged 70
McQueen played for Scotland, Manchester United and Leeds United and is pictured with his daughter Hayley proudly celebrating his 1983 FA Cup final triumph with the Red Devils
The former Scotland international (centre) is pictured enjoying a day at the beach with his daughter and Sky Sports presenter Hayley (left), granddaughter and wife Yvonne (right)
He was diagnosed with vascular dementia in January 2021, leaving his family heartbroken
But a warrior who had faced some of the toughest characters in the game in another era was ready for another battle. This would ultimately be his final position.
From somewhere deep within McQueen, bedridden and unable to take solid food, rallied. For those lucky enough not to have experience dealing with dementia, this might not seem like much, but out of nowhere he started taking liquid on board, which was a huge step.
Before long, it was mashed food. While the outlook, as always, remained bleak, the panic subsided. There would be at least another Christmas.
“He’s taken a bit of a step back,” his daughter Hayley told Mail Sport in late March when she found the courage to speak bravely and clearly about her father’s illness.
But there was the caveat. “It progressed quite quickly,” she added.
There were other bright moments from the man some called Flash, the occasional spark to let them know that the quick-witted, gregarious, intelligent character they’d known for most of their lives was still there, behind the facade of dementia.
Hayley posted photos of herself growing up with her father, Gordon, on social media on Tuesday afternoon as she revealed her grief over her dementia diagnosis.
Hayley (left) spoke of the pain of watching her father (right) deteriorate rapidly – claiming he was ‘completely bedridden’ and ‘locked in on himself’ as he suffered from dementia
Hayley recalled how, on a trip to cover a Manchester United match, she took a detour to Lymm, Cheshire, in search of one of the earliest homes she remembers.
The Sky Sports News presenter arrived on the correct street but could not remember the house number and so called her mother.
She hurried over to Gordon who – finding a way to communicate – raised his fingers to indicate the number six. He was right.
“He may not know what day it is or who the Prime Minister is, but you ask him anything about the past and he knows, which makes me glad he’s still here,” Hayley said. .
Lately, to allow him to spend as much time as possible at home, to hold on to that sense of normalcy, Gordon’s bedroom has been moved downstairs. “I just couldn’t imagine my dad, this big, tough, strong, funny, sociable person in a house,” Hayley added, putting into words the dilemma that so many people face every week.
It is a measure of his popularity that visits from old pals were frequent until the end. Indeed, they could have installed a turnstile on an entrance door that is almost always open.
McQueen was known for his notable aerial presence – with a brain scan showing head damage
Hayley – pictured cradled and fed by her father in 1980 – asked why no one from the PFA had been in touch to offer support
She called for tougher restrictions for youngsters heading soccer balls to protect their brains
Joe Jordan, a war mate on those Scottish sides who were bleeding English noses, would make the 500 mile round trip from Bristol to sit by his side on a monthly basis.
Hayley traveled north from her London home every weekend. In the immediate future, his thoughts and those of his family will no doubt focus on remembering a life taken too soon but well lived and a farewell worthy of man.
You imagine there will be tears and there will be laughter. But while grief will be a constant companion, in the months to come there may well be anger at the appalling lack of help Gordon has received from a union to which he had diligently paid dues during his working hours. desperate need.
The link between professional footballers and an increased risk of dementia is clear.
Those involved are convinced Gordon, known for his aerial prowess, was in such a position through his career.
Making adjustments at home didn’t come cheap, and neither did bringing in carers to give Gordon’s wife some much-needed respite.
McQueen is pictured having a drink alongside Jack Charlton (right) and Terry Yorath (centre)
McQueen celebrates the winning goal against Man City at Old Trafford on March 22, 1980
Hayley and the family contacted the Professional Footballers’ Association for help.
None were forthcoming. They gave up.
“They should help him when needed,” she said. She wasn’t wrong. There are promises of change from the PFA. Help, a fund.
It is to be hoped that they will succeed, but whatever it is, it will now always be too late for Gordon.
His death at 70 should send shockwaves through the union, shockwaves similar to those felt by one of his thunderous headbutts.
